Sports footwear with adjustable bending

ABSTRACT

A bending base of a footwear element provided for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, comprising structure for removably fixing the footwear element in relation to this base, the base having flexibility along the length of the foot, and structure for removably fixing, against the base, at least one element for fastening to the apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 12/02259 and French Patent Application No. 12/03261, filed Nov. 30, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto in their entireties, and the priorities of which are claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates particularly to a boot or, more generally, to a footwear element adapted to be reversibly retained to a sports apparatus, and relates more particularly to the field of winter sports.

Elements of the aforementioned type, including boots, can be used in fields such as those involving cross-country skis, telemark skis, snowshoes, and apparatuses fitted with rollers.

2. Background Information

A boot from the aforementioned family includes an outer sole assembly, an upper, and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be affixed to the apparatus. The fastening element and locking mechanism form a fastening assembly that is often provided to retain the boot reversibly on the apparatus.

For example, in cross-country skiing, each locking mechanism is typically capable of retaining or releasing a boot, thereby enabling the user to selectively operate the skis, with boots attached, or to walk, with boots freed from the skis.

FIG. 1 shows a known assembly comprising a boot 1, a ski 2, and a device 3 for retaining the boot on the ski.

The retaining device 3 comprises a base 4 carrying a reversible locking mechanism 5, an elastic return mechanism 6, and a longitudinal guiding rib 7. For example, it is possible to affix the locking mechanism 5, the return mechanism 6, and the guiding rib 7 to the base 4, so that the retaining device 3 is coherent, i.e., the individual components are integrated into a single device. As a matter of background, further information relating to exemplary devices of this type, including the components thereof, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,050 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,947, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto in their entireties.

The boot 1 comprises an outer sole assembly 12 and an upper 13.

The boot 1 further comprises a fastening element 25 adapted to cooperate with the retaining device 3, the retaining device itself adapted to be affixed to the ski 2. The fastening element 25 cooperates with the locking mechanism 5 and the elastic return mechanism 6.

The sole assembly 12, shown in more detail in a bottom view in FIG. 2, also extends height-wise, or depth-wise, between a free surface 18 and a connecting surface 19. The free surface 18 is adapted to contact the ground, the retaining device 3, or the ski 2.

The connecting surface 19 is used to affix the sole assembly 12 to the remainder of the boot, for example by gluing.

The fastening element 25 is connected to the outer sole assembly 12, so that it can selectively be affixed thereto, or separated therefrom.

As explained in the document FR 2 968 898 and in family member US 2012/0151801, the fastening element 25, and the rods and pins 26, 27 can be disassembled and reassembled, as desired, for example to replace it or to change its position in relation to the sole assembly 12.

A first drawback is that of the longitudinal flexibility of the boot along a transverse axis thereof. This flexibility is inherent in the manufacture of the boot and cannot be adjusted as needed by the user.

In addition, a second drawback with a boot of this type, and, in general, with known boots, is their inability to adapt to various types of equipment. In particular, there are two large families in the field of cross-country skis, namely, the NNN® (“New Nordic Norm”) family and the SNS® (“Salomon Nordic System”) family. A boot provided with structures for connection to skis from one of the two aforementioned types cannot be used for the other type, thus requiring that the user possess two different pairs of boots if he/she wishes to freely use both types of skis. The same problem arises with other types of interfaces of apparatuses or skis.

SUMMARY

The invention discloses a bending base for a footwear element, such as a boot or a liner or innerboot, such element being adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, for example skis or snowshoes, comprising a mechanism for removably fixing the footwear element, for example the upper of a boot, in relation to the base or blade, which has flexibility along a direction of extension of the foot, i.e., the length of the foot, and a mechanism for removably fixing, against this base or blade, at least one element for fastening to the apparatus.

The base may be planar or flat, or substantially planar or flat, or may further comprise two substantially vertical lateral walls, and possibly a stiffener-forming portion for supporting the rear portion of a footwear element.

In a non-limiting fashion, the stiffener is an outer subdivision of the boot.

In an alternative embodiment, the base may further comprise a shell for covering at least the lower portion of the footwear element, for example the upper of the boot or a liner.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the base includes structures for fixing thereto, using screws, slides, snap-fasteners or any other expedients, at least the element for fastening to the apparatus.

Removable structures may further be provided to vary the flexibility of the base, for example one or more inserts and/or one or more rods and/or one or more plates or blades to be inserted into, or against, or in the vicinity of such blade.

Not only is it a fastening element that can be removably fixed against the base, or against at least a front portion thereof, but possibly is also a heel, the base therefore comprising a structure for removably fixing such heel.

The invention also relates to a footwear element, for example a boot, adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as skis or snowshoes, in which the heel of the boot is free during movement of the foot, this footwear element comprising a flexion blade of the type described above.

For example, the footwear element is a boot and comprises a sole assembly and an upper.

The invention also relates to a footwear element, for example a boot, adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as skis or snowshoes, an activity in which the heel the footwear element is free during movement of the foot while the front end of the footwear element is connected to the apparatus by a fastening element, as well as a flexion blade of the type described above, the fastening element, and/or possibly the heel, being capable of being removably fixed in relation to the blade or base, in order to adapt the footwear element to a first type of contact interface of the apparatus, or to a second type of contact interface of the apparatus, different from the first type of contact interface.

Such a footwear element can comprise the fastening element and a heel, which may or may not be affixed to one another.

The first type of contact interface can comprise a single longitudinal rib, the fastening element and/or possibly the heel each comprising a longitudinal groove adapted to receive at least a portion of the single longitudinal edge.

The second type of contact interface can comprise two longitudinal ribs, the fastening element and/or possibly the heel each comprising two longitudinal grooves, each groove being adapted to receive at least a portion of one of the two longitudinal ribs.

At least one contact interface can comprise at least one transverse rib and/or at least one stud, the fastening element and/or possibly the heel comprising at least one longitudinal groove or at least one opening, each groove or each opening being adapted to receive a transverse rib or a stud.

At least one contact interface can comprise a surface of the apparatus itself, the fastening element and/or possibly the heel comprising at least one longitudinal groove.

Each groove can have a width substantially equal to the width of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention can be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention may be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an assembly comprising a boot, as well as a ski shown partially, and a device for retaining the boot on the ski;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front bottom view of the outer sole assembly of the boot of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of the invention in exploded and assembled views, respectively;

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate other embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 5C illustrate other aspects of the invention; and

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 illustrate other aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention described here relate more particularly to boots for the practice of cross-country skiing, ski touring, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing. However, the invention applies to other fields, such as ice skating and roller skating, for example.

FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment of the invention in an exploded view.

To better understand the invention, a boot or a liner is also shown, the upper 13 of the boot extending lengthwise from a rear end, or heel 14, to a front end, or tip 15, and a widthwise between a lateral side 16 and a medial side 17. The upper 13 comprises a lower portion 20, provided to surround the foot, and possibly an upper portion 21, provided to surround and extend above the ankle. The upper can comprise only the lower portion.

The upper 13 can be positioned upon, or into, a portion called the base 200, which has a certain longitudinal flexibility along a transverse axis of the boot or liner. In this case, the base 200 is a flexion blade, or flexion plate. When assembled with the upper, as shown in FIG. 3B, the base 200 also extends lengthwise from the heel 14 to the tip 15, and widthwise between the lateral side 16 and the medial side 17. The base is a unitary element, that is, the base is constructed in one piece, it having no additional articulation-forming structure. The flexibility of the base enables it to simply adapt to the movements of the wearer.

These two elements, the upper 13 and the base 200, can therefore be assembled to one another, but removably, so that it is possible to swap the base 200 with another base, i.e., blade or, while keeping the same blade/base, to change the upper 13. Removability, therefore, differs from non-removability and differs from permanence.

More specifically, the upper 13 comes to rest on the upper surface 219 of the blade 200.

The reference numeral 210 designates a collar provided with a strap 211 for holding the boot or the liner. The strap 211 can be opened or closed using any of a number of structures, such as hook and loop surfaces (such as Velcro®), for example.

Elements forming the base of the assembly, and in particular one or more removable elements 25, 140, can be positioned on the lower surface 218 of the base 200.

On the side of the heel, the blade 200 can be provided with two substantially vertical walls 201 (lateral wall) and 203 (medial wall), which make it possible to maintain the rear portion of the upper 13 and, more particularly, to block possible twisting of the foot. Both vertical walls may be separated or, conversely, extended rearward by a portion (rear stiffener) which joins the rear portions of the walls and stops the boot toward the rear by substantially assuming the shape of the rear portion of the upper. In a non-limiting fashion, the stiffener here is an outer portion of the boot. The walls 201, 203, can extend along the longitudinal direction of the foot, over a length L, which can reach 70% or 75%, for example, of the length of the boot or of the liner, or of the total length of the blade 200; this corresponds substantially to the position of the metatarsals. When the boot or the liner is inserted onto, or into, the base or blade 200, two openings 202, 204 make it possible to insert an insert articulation structure or elements, such as rivets or screws, which can cooperate with corresponding openings of the boot and corresponding openings of the collar 210 to retain the assembly, or to assist in retaining the assembly. A retaining strap 211′ may also be positioned/attached at the front portion of the blade; this strap may be opened or closed using expedients such as hook and loop surfaces, for example. The upper can also be held in or on the blade by glue, screws, or rivets.

When the user wishes to remove the upper from the base, he/she releases the retaining elements 211, 211′ and, possibly the structure inserted in the openings 202, 204.

A particular shape of the base 200 has been described above with reference to FIG. 3A.

However, the removable base can have any of a plurality of other shapes.

In an alternative embodiment, the base does not comprise walls 201, 203, or a stiffener, and therefore forms a surface blade or plate that is substantially flat or extends in two dimensions and is adapted to be fixed, also removably, against a base of a boot or against a liner. Therefore, it can be planar and affixed to the upper with screws or rivets, for example. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 3C, in which a planar flexible blade 200 a is shown. Elements 250, 251 of a boot can be removably fixed on the flexible blade. In addition, a liner 252 can be inserted in the boot. The structure 210 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3A. As can be understood from this drawing figure, one or more elements can be positioned on the blade 200 a, the assembly making it possible to obtain a very high degree of modularity.

According to another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3D, the flexible blade 200 b may be integrated with a shell, which can be semi-indented. In other words, the lateral portions 201, 203 of the structure of FIG. 3A are extended forward to cover at least the front portion of the lower portion 20 of a liner (not shown in this drawing figure), the assembly therefore being capable of receiving the latter. Despite the presence of the shell, binding elements 211, 211′, 212, of the type described above in connection with FIG. 3B, can be provided (they are not shown in FIG. 3D). The presence of the shell, above the planar portion of the blade, does not modify the bending thereof. In other words, with respect to bending the foot, the role of this blade is the same as in the case of FIGS. 3A-3C. The shell here is made from a plurality of assembled elements; however, it could alternatively be a unitary, single piece element.

Structure in the form of a contact interface with a ski or a snowshoe can include one portion, two portions, or more.

In any case, such structure comprises a fastening element 25, adapted to cooperate with the retaining device 3 (shown in FIG. 1), in particular the locking mechanism 5, itself adapted to be affixed to the ski 2, and possibly with an elastic return mechanism 6. Applications other than a ski implement such a structure.

As explained above with reference to FIG. 1, the retaining device 3 comprises a base 4 carrying a reversible locking mechanism 5, possibly an elastic return mechanism 6 and, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a longitudinal guiding rib 7, the locking mechanism 5, the possible return mechanism 6, and the guiding rib 7 can be affixed to the base 4.

By way of example, a single element adapted to be pressed against the base can be made. This element is shown in FIG. 4, which shows that the structure for retaining the two portions 25, 140 in relation to the base 200 are connected to one another by a flexion blade 120 that has a certain flexibility to accompany or follow the movement of the user. This assembly is compatible with a mode of connection to a position on the blade, or to two or more discrete positions. Examples of materials from which this blade can be made include a metallic and/or composite and/or plastic, and/or a material comprising plant fibers.

The connecting element 120 has a forward extension, which is limited in order not to interfere with the connector pins or rods 26, 27 adapted to cooperate with the retaining device 3.

The base 200, like the blade 120, has a certain longitudinal flexibility along a transverse axis of the boot or of the liner. It can be bent or flexed to accompany the movements of the foot and the boot, such as the rolling of the foot and boot as the heel is alternately raised and lowered. However, it may be necessary to adapt or modify this flexibility. This can be done by changing the first blade or the first base and selecting a second blade or a second base having a different flexibility (more rigid or more flexible than the first). A base having an adjustable or adaptable flexibility can also be provided.

To this end, the invention provides reinforcement structure such as inserts or rods that can be inserted into openings extending longitudinally or substantially or predominantly longitudinally in the base or blade, as shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5A shows a flexion blade 200, and two openings 220, 221 that make it possible to slide reinforcement wires or rods 222, 223 in cylindrical zones formed in the base or blade itself. These cylindrical zones are in the extension of the openings 220, 221. The cylindrical zones may be oriented longitudinally, or can form, with the longitudinal direction Lo of the boot, an angle a between 0° and 40°. In one variation, the openings 220′, 221′ can be provided on the rear surface, as shown in FIG. 5B. In another variation, an opening 224 on the front or rear surface, makes it possible to receive a reinforcing element 225 in the form of a rectangular plate, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C. In yet another variation, a reinforcing element can be a plate, possibly perforated and adapted to be pressed flat against the upper or lower surface of the flexion blade, for example on the zone on which the front portion or rear portion of the adaptation structure are to be fixed, or between these two zones. This reinforcement structure can be adapted to such a blade, whether the latter is provided in combination with removable elements 25, 140 or with any other structure for connection to the apparatus, such as the ski for example.

The connecting structure, which connects the fastening element 25 to the blade 200, 200 a, 200 b, as well as the removable heel, enables adaptation of the boot to any type of ski.

As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the bending base, in some cases, includes a stiffener 241, which is a rear portion, an end piece 242, which is a front portion, and a bridge 243 that connects the stiffener 241 to the end piece 242 by any suitable structure. Screws may be used, but other expedients can also be used.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the stiffener 241 is reversibly affixed to the bridge 243.

In FIGS. 6-9, the end piece 242 is reversibly affixed to the bridge 243.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the stiffener 241 and the bridge 243 form a unitary element, i.e., a one-piece element.

In FIGS. 6 and 8, the bridge 243 includes a single plate 244.

In FIGS. 7 and 9, the bridge 243 includes a plurality of elements 244, 245.

In all of the embodiments that have been described, the front and rear elements to be attached to the outer surface of the base are compatible with the NNN® family or SNS® family.

However, the invention also relates to other retaining devices or other types of equipment.

For example, there can be n parallel edges (n>2).

In all of the cases described above, the fastening structure comprises one or two wires or rods. However, as has been stated, other types of fastening structures can be implemented.

In any case, the positioning of the front portion (fastening element) or of the rear portion (heel), respectively, of the adaptation structure, has a longitudinal extension that extend as far as 30%, 35%, or 40% of the length of the blade, measured from the front or rear end, respectively, of the latter.

The teachings described above, in particular in the case of a ski, can be transposed to snowshoes.

In any case, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to one with ordinary skill in the art. The front and rear portions of the adaptation structure are made with a reduced number (2-4) of molds, compared to the number (8-15) of molds used to make the soles of currently known boots. From an economic point of view, the advantage is considerable, because it requires an investment between about 10 and 40 kC= (approximately $13,500-$54,000) to make each mold.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

But in any case, the bending base or blade, for a footwear element adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling device, in which the heel is free during movement of the foot, comprises structure for removable fixing the footwear element in relation to the base or blade, which has flexibility along a direction of extension of the foot, and structure for removably fixing, against the front portion of the base, in the direction of extension of the foot, at least one element for fastening to such apparatus.

At least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A bending base for a footwear element structured and arranged for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus in which a heel of a wearer's foot is free during movement of the foot, the bending base comprising: structure for removably fixing a footwear element in relation to the base; the footwear base having a flexible structure, the base being flexible along a length of the wearer's foot when the foot is positioned within the footwear element; structure for removably fixing, against a front portion of the base, in the direction the length of the foot, at least one element for fastening to the apparatus.
 2. A bending base according to claim 1, wherein: the bending base is flat or substantially flat; the bending base further comprises two substantially vertical lateral walls.
 3. A bending base according to claim 2, further comprising: a stiffener-forming portion structured and arranged for supporting a rear portion of the footwear element.
 4. A bending base according to claim 1, further comprising: a shell for covering at least the lower portion of a footwear element.
 5. A bending base according to claim 1, further comprising: a stiffener, an end-piece, and a bridge connecting the stiffener to the end-piece.
 6. A bending base according to claim 5, wherein: the stiffener is reversibly affixed to the bridge.
 7. A bending base according to claim 5, wherein: the end-piece is reversibly affixed to the bridge.
 8. A bending base according to claim 5, wherein: the stiffener and the bridge form a unitary element.
 9. A bending base according to claim 5, wherein: the bridge comprises a single plate.
 10. A bending base according to claim 5, wherein: the bridge comprises a plurality of elements.
 11. A bending base according to claim 1, further comprising: structure for fixing at least the fastening element to the base using any of screws, slides, and snap-fasteners.
 12. A bending base according to claim 1, further comprising: removable structure to vary a flexibility of the base.
 13. A bending base according to claim 1, wherein: the structure for varying the flexibility of the base comprises one or more inserts and/or one or more rods and/or one or more plates or blades to be inserted into, against, or near the base.
 14. A bending base according to claim 1, further comprising: structure for removably fixing a heel against the base.
 15. A footwear element adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, in which a heel of a wearer's foot is free during movement of the foot, the footwear element comprising: a bending base comprising: structure for removably fixing a footwear element in relation to the base; the footwear base having a flexible structure, the base being flexible along a length of the wearer's foot when the foot is positioned within the footwear element; structure for removably fixing, against a front portion of the base, in the direction the length of the foot, at least one element for fastening to the apparatus.
 16. A footwear element adapted for the practice of a sporting activity using a gliding or rolling apparatus, in which a heel of a wearer's foot is free during movement of the foot, the footwear element comprising: a fastening element positioned at a front end the footwear element structured and arranged to be removably connectable the apparatus; a heel; a bending base comprising: structure for removably fixing a footwear element in relation to the base; the footwear base having a flexible structure, the base being flexible along a length of the wearer's foot when the foot is positioned within the footwear element; structure for removably fixing, against a front portion of the base, in the direction the length of the foot, at least one element for fastening to the apparatus; the fastening element and the heel being structured and arranged to be removably fixed in relation to the base, in order to adapt the footwear element to either of a first type of contact interface of an apparatus and a second type of contact interface of said apparatus, the second type of contact interface being different from the first type of contact interface.
 17. A footwear element according to claim 16, wherein: both the fastening element and a heel are affixed to one another.
 18. A footwear element according to claim 16, wherein: the first type of contact interface comprises only a single longitudinal rib; the fastening element comprises a longitudinal groove structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single longitudinal rib.
 19. A footwear element according to claim 18, wherein: the heel comprises a longitudinal groove structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single longitudinal rib.
 20. A footwear element according to claim 16, wherein: the second type of contact interface comprises with two longitudinal ribs; the fastening element comprises two longitudinal grooves, each of the two grooves being structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of one of the two longitudinal ribs.
 21. A footwear element according to claim 20, wherein: the heel comprises longitudinal grooves structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of one of the two longitudinal ribs.
 22. A footwear element according to claim 16, wherein: at least one of the first and second contact interfaces comprises at least one transverse rib and/or at least one stud; the fastening element comprises at least one longitudinal groove and/or at least one opening, each said groove or each said opening being structured and arranged to receive a transverse rib or a stud.
 23. A footwear element according to claim 22, wherein: the heel comprises at least one longitudinal groove and/or at least one opening, each said groove or each said opening being structured and arranged to receive a transverse rib or a stud.
 24. A footwear element according to claim 16, wherein: at least one of the first and second contact interfaces comprises a planar surface of the apparatus; the fastening element comprises at least one longitudinal groove.
 25. A footwear element according to claim 24, wherein: the heel comprises at least one longitudinal groove.
 26. A footwear element according to claim 24, wherein: each said groove having a width substantially equal to a width of the apparatus. 